WhoDunnits Book Discussion: The Thin Man

What were the Americans up to?

After reading British Golden Age mysteries, and modern stories influenced by the Brits, let's look at what the Americans were up to during the same period. This month, it's Dashiell Hammett and The Thin Man.

Retired private detective Nick Charles is unwillingly drawn into the orbit of the Wynant family as he investigates a murder alongside his young and witty wife Nora. Nora, a wealthy socialite, provides the money that allows them to live a life of pleasure in the penthouses of the rich, with banter fueled by copious amounts of alcohol. The Thin Man proved a charming book, but it was the last novel Hammett ever published.

WhoDunnits is a discussion group devoted to mysteries and following a yearlong program of books and movies around a single topic. We'll have featured titles some months, and do themes with title suggestions other months. We'll also hold occasional movie showings. This year we're taking a look at the Golden Age of Mysteries, the period between the wars that saw an explosion of cozy British country house murders, dark detection by damaged detectives, and noble amateurs whimsically solving crimes. This era produced mystery legends like Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Dashiell Hammett, Ngaio Marsh -- and even influenced writers working today.